This ones for the ladies....

emily_325 · Jan 1, 2007

I buy new probably about once a year or so. Honestly because I am also a VS fanatic I try to make them last a little longer since they're expensive. I keep about 4-5 that I love on hand in basic colors like black, white, and nude, and then toss in one or two fun colors during the semi-annual sale every year to spice thing up a bit.

I usually toss when the padding starts looking unsmoothe or the straps start to lose their elasticity. I'm in love with the VS Sexy balconet bras. They're perfect for that extra oomph that a smaller cup size needs, and they last a long time. I have one that I'm just now getting ready to toss and I've had it for at least two years. The cups still look great, but the straps are worn out.

luvslive · Jan 1, 2007

gosh, my bras seem to last forever! i would say i have way too many bras, though. probably 20? i did some serious VS shopping while I was in college. so some bras are up to 5 years old! i like the ones with a smooth, seamless fit. underwire can cause me to feel unwell. i should just go through my bras now and decide which ones to get rid of. that way i'll have more room for new ones should the opportunity strike.
Have fun shopping the VS sale everyone!

starryeyedtiger · Jan 1, 2007

This is soooo bad

I've already planned out my shopping excursion for tomorrow. Victorias Secret, Bath & Body Works, and a few of the pet stores

But i will be making a trip to the bank first to add money to my savings account so i won't be tempted to spend more than i should

zissou'smom · Jan 1, 2007

I just bought the 2/39$ ones from VS. I like them alot, although my best friend works for the in-call catalog center and she said the fasteners get messed up in the dryer really easily. So be careful when you dry them. But they are soooo comfy!

satai · Jan 1, 2007

Originally Posted by StarryEyedTiGeR

How often do you buy/replace your bras?

Ok, if I answered about how often I replace them, it probably wouldn't help you, but here are some guidelines:

If you hand wash and dry your bras (tip: even if you cheat and put them in the washer, never ever put them in the dryer - the heat does terrible things to most of them), and if you only ever wash them in mild soap (such as hand wash for delicates or shampoo) you should get at least six months out of the bra - more is likely, unless your size changes.

Many women have two or even three "sizes" depending on manufacturer and/or time of the month, and swap between them as needed.

A new, correctly fitting bra fits on the first hook/s - the second and further hooks are only for use as the bra ages and loosens. If you're buying bras that "fit" on the second or tighter settings, you will get less use out of the bra.

I've never bought cheap bras (not for any reason except availablality - they don't make deptarment store brands in my size, at least here), so I don't know if they tend to be false economy or not. At a GUESS, especially at DD and larger sizes, it is a "get what you pay for" thing.

Now, for the fun part: Shopping advice! (Warning, your mileage may vary!)

1. Ok, first, know your own boobs. If there is a style (full, balconette, whatever) that has always suited you before, stick with it. For example, I always wear a full bra. This is not always fun as balconettes allow for more cleveage showing off, but I've never found a balconette that didn't make me look like the four-boobed woman. Some women look amazing in them - just know your boobs. Remember: it's a disappointment not to buy a bra you love, but it's a bigger disappointment to buy a bra that doesn't love you.

2. If money is an issue, make sure that you buy at least 1 perfectly fitting, preferably seamless (IF you can wear them - remember to try on with a tight-fitting shirt to see if your bust is flattered or destroyed by this bra) - in a neutral colour - goldy/beige if you're white/light, mocha-esque if you're darker skinned. The point is this is the one that will be invisible (or as close to) under anything - dark top, light top, whatever. This is the case even if you ONLY EVER wear one colour top.

3. If money is an issue, and you need two different sizes for different times of the month, make sure you buy two bras in your "skin" colour.

4. If you have money to spare, don't just be swayed by pretty materials - some of them won't suit. Make sure to play around with different styles to see how they change your bust line. Don't forget to get a neutral bra, preferably a few in a few different shapes (as many as you can get, really).

5. If your bust isn't on the too large for it size, and there is money left over, don't forget to pick up a strapless and a backless bra.

6. Have fun!

starryeyedtiger · Jan 1, 2007

Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom

I just bought the 2/39$ ones from VS. I like them alot, although my best friend works for the in-call catalog center and she said the fasteners get messed up in the dryer really easily. So be careful when you dry them. But they are soooo comfy!

Thanks for the tip!

I always put mine in a lingera bag for both the washer and dryer...when i have time i'll air dry them....but normally i just put them in the lingera bag and toss them in the dryer

/ What style did you get? I want one of the new Secret Embrace bras. I have a Body by Victoria- it's super comfy, but i've worn it out...and i have a few Ipex- i don't really like those so much and i have some of the very sexy ones.

satai · Jan 1, 2007

Originally Posted by StarryEyedTiGeR

Oh I hate underwire too! I've actually figured out how to take it out of my nice bras when it bothers me

All you do is snip two tiny tiny cuts on eithor side of the cup...then gently work the underwire out of it (it takes a minute)....you can put it back in or leave it out

This is true - but not always a good idea. I use old bras with the wire removed to sleep in, but I could never use them for being seen in. It may be a question of size, or just my prefered manufacturer, or it could be a general thing, but the wire is (to the naked eye) intergral to the shaping in the bras I own.

starryeyedtiger · Jan 1, 2007

Originally Posted by Satai

Ok, if I answered about how often I replace them, it probably wouldn't help you, but here are some guidelines:

If you hand wash and dry your bras (tip: even if you cheat and put them in the washer, never ever put them in the dryer - the heat does terrible things to most of them), and if you only ever wash them in mild soap (such as hand wash for delicates or shampoo) you should get at least six months out of the bra - more is likely, unless your size changes.

Many women have two or even three "sizes" depending on manufacturer and/or time of the month, and swap between them as needed.

A new, correctly fitting bra fits on the first hook/s - the second and further hooks are only for use as the bra ages and loosens. If you're buying bras that "fit" on the second or tighter settings, you will get use out of the bra.

I've never bought cheap bras (not for any reason except availablality - they don't make deptarment store brands in my size, at least here), so I don't know if they tend to be false economy or not. At a GUESS, especially at DD and larger sizes, it is a "get what you pay for" thing.

Now, for the fun part: Shopping advice! (Warning, your mileage may vary!)

1. Ok, first, know your own boobs. If there is a style (full, balconette, whatever) that has always suited you before, stick with it. For example, I always wear a full bra. This is not always fun as balconettes allow for more cleveage showing off, but I've never found a balconette that didn't make me look like the four-boobed woman. Some women look amazing in them - just know your boobs. Remember: it's a disappointment not to buy a bra you love, but it's a bigger disappointment to buy a bra that doesn't love you.

2. If money is an issue, make sure that you buy at least 1 perfectly fitting, preferably seamless (IF you can wear them - remember to try on with a tight-fitting shirt to see if your bust is flattered or destroyed by this bra) - in a neutral colour - goldy/beige if you're white/light, mocha-esque if you're darker skinned. The point is this is the one that will be invisible (or as close to) under anything - dark top, light top, whatever. This is the case even if you ONLY EVER wear one colour top.

3. If money is an issue, and you need two different sizes for different times of the month, make sure you buy two bras in your "skin" colour.

4. If you have money to spare, don't just be swayed by pretty materials - some of them won't suit. Make sure to play around with different styles to see how they change your bust line. Don't forget to get a neutral bra, preferably a few in a few different shapes (as many as you can get, really).

5. If your bust isn't on the too large for it size, and there is money left over, don't forget to pick up a strapless and a backless bra.

6. Have fun!

Wow! Great Advice!

I went from a 34B to a 36D in less than a year- so that's why i only have two and none of my cute little ones fit anymore

I wish I could shrink them back to a B cup again sometimes

It's harder to find cute bras in a D than it was to find them for a B. Thankfully though, Victorias Secret goes up to a DD i believe, so i can still shop around well

Also another little tip- if you can't find a bra in your normal size, you can go down a cup size and up a number size. For instance, i'm a 36D....but if i can't find that, i can also fit into a 38C.

I read that in Cosmo once and thought it was pretty cool!

I can't wait to go shopping tomorrow now!

satai · Jan 1, 2007

Originally Posted by StarryEyedTiGeR

Also another little tip- if you can't find a bra in your normal size, you can go down a cup size and up a number size. For instance, i'm a 36D....but if i can't find that, i can also fit into a 38C.

You can wear it, but it won't fit right. Now, not everybody is the same "size" in all manufactures (the shapes can differ a lot).

Aside from that scenario (which is why you must always try a bra on), the measurement, done strictly, isn't actually optional. If you're say, 36D, that means your the circle around the your underbust is 36 inches. A 38 gives you two more inches in the back AND THE CUP, so you can wear it comfortably, but it won't give you the correct support (which is essential to the "look" and the long-term structure of your bust). Most people think support comes from the straps - this is not true. Only a small amount of the support comes from the straps - a correctly fitting bra holds the bust, it does not pull it up.

zissou'smom · Jan 1, 2007

Yea, I found out what happens when you wear the sort-of-right size... it's so wrong! I was wearing a 38b, and the underwire snapped out of it into my skin WHILE I WAS ON A DATE! (the final straw in a series of problems with the darn thing) I had two bartenders and a couple other women trying to help me in the bathroom but I ended up just going the rest of the date "free-range" and trying not to explain why I yelped in pain, said "oh ----" and ran to the bathroom midsentence

Anyway, I very quickly ordered two that are 36b, and actually fit, and haven't had a problem yet.

ckatz · Jan 1, 2007

Satai you are very knowledgable. Do you do bra fittings for a living?

trouts mom · Jan 1, 2007

I must have at least 7 nice bras that I love at all times..If one breaks, I replace!

satai · Jan 1, 2007

Originally Posted by ckatz

Satai you are very knowledgable. Do you do bra fittings for a living?

Thank you, and no, I'm not. I'm a 34J, though, and finding a correct fitting bra is a lot of work (and sometimes) a lot of mailing back and forth of bras to England to get the perfect one.

halfpint · Jan 1, 2007

I hate them so much I buy Barely There

satai · Jan 1, 2007

Originally Posted by halfpint

I hate them so much I buy Barely There

If you PM me your size, preferences and sensitivites/allergies I can try to help you find one that you might not outright hate.

tanjkn3 · Jan 1, 2007

I usually buy them anytime lane bryant has a buy_get_free sale....their latest sale is buy 2 get 2 free(not sure when it ends or ended) I didn't need to buy any with this past sale cause I had stocked up so much with the prior sale.

gailc · Jan 1, 2007

I hve found Wacoal is a good brand esp for the larger sizes. They are pricey though and most dept stores should carry them.
I need to do the dreaded bra shopping but I don't know what is worse bra shopping or jean shopping!

jenny82 · Jan 1, 2007

Originally Posted by StarryEyedTiGeR

Also another little tip- if you can't find a bra in your normal size, you can go down a cup size and up a number size. For instance, i'm a 36D....but if i can't find that, i can also fit into a 38C.

I read that in Cosmo once and thought it was pretty cool!

I can't wait to go shopping tomorrow now!

When I was measured at VS they told me I was a 32C, but since they don't make that size I could wear a 34B.

muttigreemom · Jan 1, 2007

Ugh I have such a bra issue... although that hasn't stopped me from going bra shopping quite a few days this week

My favorite part is when the sales ladies see me in the big girl bra section and then go "oh, you don't belong here! there's no way you fit in these sizes! let me measure you!" most of the time I tell them no thank you. I sold bras for quite a number of years and know how to measure myself.... but sometimes for S&G I'll let them.... just so I can see the look on their face when they go "Oh my! You really ARE a 42D!" Well sheesh... at almost 6' tall what size did you expect? 32A?!

Which also means I can't shop at Victoria Secret since they only go up to 38DD. Bummer.

For many years I replaced bras as if they were disposable... mostly because either I worked at Fredericks or I knew someone that worked at another lingerie store so I'd get a discount. Now that I'm without that option, I'll stay with them for a while. Found one I love at Dillards and now I just keep buying that one. It's not amazingly pretty, but it works until I can find some pretty ones that fit me well. Had a love affair with one fredericks bra for a while that was quite pretty and then they discontinued it

And besides.... like BF says, my new bra "..makes the ladies look great under a shirt, and when theres no shirt I don't want to see the bra anyway!"

joanne511 · Jan 1, 2007

I buy a couple every year or so and try to make them last. I also buy VS (need to head out for the sale!) and if you take care of them they last a long time.

This ones for the ladies....

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